The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been honoured with the “Public Service Person of the Year 2024” award by the Leadership Group during the 17th edition of the Leadership Conference and Awards held in Abuja.

The award, presented in recognition of Adeniyi’s performance since assuming office as the head of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), was the outcome of a rigorous selection process that considered more than ten top-performing government officials. According to the organisers, Adeniyi was chosen for his “transformative leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, ushering in a new era of transparency, operational efficiency, and improved revenue generation that has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic stability.”

Adeniyi, who attended the event alongside his wife, Kikelomo Adeniyi, and senior NCS officers, expressed deep appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing trade facilitation, boosting revenue generation, and curbing smuggling activities. While receiving the award, he attributed the achievement to the collective dedication of Customs personnel across the country.

“This award is not just about me; it reflects the collective commitment to transparency, efficiency, and national development,” he stated, adding that the recognition would inspire further reforms and innovation within the service.

The Customs CG also emphasized his focus on modernising Customs operations and improving border management as a critical part of ensuring national security and economic growth. He underscored the importance of leading with integrity and accountability in all aspects of public service.

Adeniyi was recognised alongside other prominent figures, including business magnate Aliko Dangote; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Abba Yusuf (Kano). Senators and private sector leaders were also among those honoured at the prestigious event.